(New York, NY) – A magazine that celebrates the lifestyle and beauty of black women has hired its first white fashion director in 40 years of publication. “Essence” magazine’s hiring of Elliana Placas created a furor when a former staffer denounced the hiring on her Facebook page. The decision cast a bright light on the subject of the low number of African-American women in the fashion business. Critics cited the lack of black women in the fashion industry for the decision. Angela Burt-Murray, the magazine’s editor, defended the decision, saying Placas has worked with the publication on a freelance basis for more than six months, and that she has a vision for the magazine and a respect for the company’s brand. She added that the magazine is still dedicated to celebrating all facets of African-American women.
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